'Cook's captaincy can help England springboard back to top of Test rankings,' says Vaughan

In his column in the Sydney Morning Herald, Vaughan says in India, Cook has laid a foundation of what he expects

from the team and also has well-managed the Kevin Pietersen situation very well, all of which can help the Three

Lions catch up with South Africa, eventually.

"He has done that by leading from the front - and not just with his bat. He has shown the way you approach Test

cricket in terms of commitment, toughness and hard work. You can tell he wants his team to express themselves but

only at the right time," he says.

"He has managed the players nicely and handled the reintegration of Kevin Pietersen very well, which is key," he

adds.

Vaughan predicts that at some point, the Proteas squad's brilliant cricketing skills would fizzle out.

"At some point South Africa will lose Jacques Kallis and he will be a big loss. Also, are South Africa capable of winning in India without top-class spinners such as Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar? Probably not," he says.

"They [England] were not focused against South Africa because of the KP situation and were at a crossroads with the leadership of the side. Now they have a good pool of players to choose from and the chance to win two Ashes series and a Champions Trophy at home by the end of next year. It adds up to an exciting year," Vaughan explained.

Vaughan also said that Cook has 'opportunity' to experience the most amazing first year as captain, and should make most of it.

"Cook has the opportunity to have the most amazing first year as captain. If I were the England captain I would look at this Australian side and think "great opportunity". England are stronger in all departments. Michael Clarke is an

outstanding captain but Australia's top four can be dismissed early," he concluded. (ANI)